[Note: We recommend 3 student-speakers lead and read aloud the 3 parts of the pre-Pledge ceremony. And, assign 1 student to handle the ceremony tech - showing with a laptop or mobile device the ceremony on a screen. Select the 4 presenting students on Monday or Tuesday and have them practice the Pre-PLedge Tribute so on Friday they can give a good, clear, loud ceremony for their classmates ;)​Do not read aloud any text with [ brackets ] around it.ONLY READ THE TEXT IN BLUE. ]

[ SPEAKER 1 - read blue text only]​​​​Good morning / afternoon / evening, __(insert name of your group - like "Heritage Elementary" or "Scout Troop" or "Rotary Club")__.Welcome to the Pre-Pledge Tribute for the week of October 27th - November 2nd

Half-Staff Alerts for November 2The U.S. & State Flags across NEW YORK and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma are half-staff...The Commonwealth (State) Flag across VIRGINIA is half-staff......​And, there are local half-staffs (All Flags):......Atop the WEST VIRGINIA State Capitol and across Mercer County, WV......Across Liberty County, Georgia......And, atop the OHIO State Capitol, Vern Riffe Center, Rhodes State Office Tower, and across Ashtabula County...

[ GO HERE to review details about the half-staffs and their honorees - including portraits ]

[ SPEAKER 2 - read blue text only ]​

THIS WEEK'S REMINDER FROM OUR FLAG:... dedication of the Statue of Liberty ...

During this week in U.S. History, on October 28th of 1886, the Statue of Liberty, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland. The statue, standing about 100 yards tall on its pedestal, was a gift of friendship from the French people to honor the French-American teamwork during the American Revolutionary War. Interestingly, the steel framework inside the Statue of Liberty was designed and built by, Gustave Eiffel, the man who built the Eiffel Tower. The statue has become a symbol of freedom and welcoming sight to all immigrants coming to the United States of America.

There were no soldiers killed while serving in Global War on Terror (GWOT) combat zones last week. But, sadly, there were 7, yes seven, service members who died recently. Three US Army soldiers were killed in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle training accident - Corporal Walker of Ohio, Private First Class Garcia of Arizona, and Sergeant First Class Jenkins of Florida.Additionally, Marine Corporal Erin Lilleyfogle, West Point Cadet Kade Kurita, US Army Staff Sergeant Nicholas Scalzo, and Marine Private First Class Christian Bautista all died while serving our country.

... And, back on the homefront ...

Unfortunately, ... there were 4 first responders who died in the line of duty recently. The 2 fallen peace officers were Deputy Jake Allmendinger in Montana and Deputy Brian Ishmael in California. The 2 fallen firefighters were Michael Johnston in Alabama and Robert Bush in New York.

Please, remember all of these fallen patriots and their family and friends who miss them dearly.

[HIGHLIGHTS OF: The U.S. Flag Code stating how citizens should conduct themselves during this ceremony is below.]

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMSNational anthem; Star-Spangled Banner, conduct during playing:During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.Note: A new law was passed on October 30, 2008 that authorizes veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem. This publication is currently being updated to reflect the new law.

Pledge of Allegiance to the flag; manner of delivery:The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.​